Ben McGarvey, the singer, songwriter, and producer known professionally as Minute Taker, has released his latest single, 'Losing Self-Control'. As a gay artist, McGarvey often weaves themes of identity, belonging, and the experience of being an outsider into his work, drawing significant inspiration from the sound and culture of the 1980s.
The new track is a collaboration with German darkwave artist Curses, who co-wrote and produced the song. It serves as a preview for Minute Taker's upcoming album, titled The Oblivion. The song's atmospheric and brooding electronic sound is complemented by a music video that draws heavily on the dystopian world of George Orwell's novel 1984, exploring themes of surveillance and the struggle for individuality.
McGarvey has built a reputation for his deep connection to 80s synth-pop, a genre with a strong legacy within the LGBTQ+ community. This has led to official remix work for influential acts such as Erasure and Yazoo. He is also known for his creative covers of songs by artists including Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, and Depeche Mode.
In addition to his solo work, Minute Taker frequently collaborates with fellow queer artist Bright Light Bright Light. While they have worked together on recordings before, the two recently shared a stage for the first time for a joint performance in Manchester.
With 'Losing Self-Control', Minute Taker continues to blend nostalgic electronic sounds with contemporary lyrical themes, offering a compelling new entry in his discography.